Micheal Usher has emerged as a surprise favourite after Sunday night’s premiere episode of Dancing With The Stars.

The Channel Seven new anchor, 55, proved he has as much skill on the dance floor as he has behind the news desk as he scored big on his first round.

He stunned the judges and viewers alike as he soaring to the top of the leaderboard with 27 points for his foxtrot with his dance partner Natalie Lowe.

The panel was unanimous in its praise, highlighting Michael’s musicality, footwork, and undeniable charisma.

Fans tuning in at home were amazed to see Micheal’s twinkle toes in action.

Micheal Usher (pictured) has emerged as a surprise favourite after Sunday night’s premiere episode of Dancing With The Stars

‘Michael Usher! Very nice for a first performance!’ wrote one person on X while another said, ‘BREAKING NEWS Michael Usher can dance?’

‘Musher!! I’m shook! That was genuinely smooth as silk’ commented someone else on Instagram with another writing, ‘Still not over this!!!’

‘Absolutely the best so far. Well done for getting out of your comfort zone’ wrote another.

‘Wow Mr Michael Usher that was one incredible dance and to top the leaderboard on the first day is remarkable you should be very proud’ yet one more commented.

It was a dazzling night of celebrities and sequins as Dancing With The Stars returned to Channel 7 and 7plus, with hosts Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown ushering in a fresh season of glitz, glamour and fierce competition.

After introducing the 12 celebrities competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, the hosts split them into two groups – each set to hit the dance floor on alternate weeks – with six couples showcasing their moves in tonight’s premiere episode.

AFL Champion Trent Cotchin and partner Jess Raffa opened the night with an assertive tango, earning a score of 21.

While judge Sharna Burgess praised it as a great start, Craig Revel Horwood thought it ‘lacked any form of passion’.

The Channel Seven new anchor, 55, proved he has as much skill on the dance floor as he has behind the news desk as he scored big on his first round

He stunned the judges and viewers alike as he soaring to the top of the leaderboard with 27 points for his foxtrot with dance partner Natalie Lowe

Brittany Hockley, podcaster and radio host, performed a cha-cha-cha with Craig Monley, also scoring 21.

The judges acknowledged her nerves but saw clear potential, with Mark Wilson calling her ‘vivacious’, while Craig likened her to ‘a drunk girl lost at a party’.

Olympic boxer Harry Garside and partner Siobhan Power delivered a dynamic jive, complete with impressive lifts that had judge Mark on his feet demanding an encore.

Despite a score of 21, opinions were split as Sharna saw promise but wanted more ‘refinement’, Craig described the performance as ‘messy’, while Helen Richey declared Harry might be ‘the heavyweight in this competition’.

Susie O’Neill aka Madame Butterfly and Lyu Masuda took on the tango, scoring the night’s lowest with 13. While the performance was shaky, the judges admired her courage and noticeable improvement from rehearsals to stage.

Closing the show, Australia’s sweetheart Rebecca Gibney and partner Ian Waite delivered a cheeky cha-cha-cha, earning the second-highest score of 24.

While technically flawed, the performance charmed the judges. ‘So wrong, it was right,’ said Mark. Even Craig admitted it was ‘technically rubbish’ but added that he loved it.